In coordination with RIAA, NMPA maintains a database of all awards and certifications also notifying songwriters and music publishers that they have been certified.

RIAA certifies songs Gold & Platinum with a sales audit of each title conducted by Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman. Once a title’s sales (downloads) has been audited and verified as having reached requisite levels, a formal certification report is issued and sent to the title’s record company. NMPA then notifies appropriate songwriters and music publishers. Each publisher of certified single must be a member of NMPA to be certified. If the publisher is not a member, they will have the opportunity to become one to receive their certification.

NMPA provides the opportunity for publishers to purchase a plaque. The plaque costs $165 to produce plus shipping. G&P presentations are made throughout the year.